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The New England Patriots have released defensive end Adrian Clayborn, according to Clayborn himself. Clayborn notes that the Patriots “granted” his release, which implies that he requested to move on from the team.
Thank you @Patriots for my time with the organization. I gained so much respect for how you do things and win championships. It’s done the right way through hard work. Thank you for granting my release. I’m ready for this next chapter.
— Adrian Clayborn (@AJaClay) March 15, 2019
Clayborn had signed a 2-year deal with the Patriots ahead of the 2018 season. While he played in 17 games and picked up 3.5 sacks, he was also a healthy scratch and never played up to the level of his contract. He was going to count $5.94 million against the Patriots’ salary cap. His release frees up $3.94 million in cap space.
New England also lost Trey Flowers and Malcom Brown in free agency, so the defensive front will have a whole different look in 2019.
The Patriots current defensive end depth chart looks as follows:
- Michael Bennett
- Deatrich Wise Jr.
- John Simon
- Keionta Davis
- Derek Rivers
- Trent Harris
The Patriots could use some additional talent at the position, although Bennett, Wise, and Simon project to be the starting rotation at the position.
Best of luck to Clayborn wherever he signs.